Smart Living Weekly September 11, 2019

iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • September 11, 2019

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Right in Our Region

World War II Days!

See Page 16

Expert Remodeling Tips Fall for Rockford Returns!

Make Life Easier with Organization Spice Up Your Life with Pumpkin Streets & Sweets for Rock House Kids

FREE WIN!

2 Free Passes to the Discovery Center

See Pg. 28 Details

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 World War II Days!

Your Home ............................................ ..... 11, 19 Expert Remodeling Tips; Organize Your Home Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Invitation Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Spice Up Your Life with Pumpkin Your Community .........................................20, 24 Pet Ownership; Rock House Kids Fundraiser Your Outing ............................................. .......... 21 Fall for Rockford!

Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Childhood Incontinence Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Restaurant of the Week ................................... 26 Tavern on Clark

Dining Locally .......................................... ........ 26

Your Technology ............................................. ..29 Choosing Solar to Reduce Electric Bills

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Behind the Scenes

M

ost of us don’t think much about it, but there are teams of people talking up our region every day to prospective tourists, residents and employers.

The folks at Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, for example, spotlight our many parks and preserves, cultural museums and gardens, sports facilities and more. There’s a lot to crow about in our lively river town.

This is important to prospective employers, who believe they will attract better workers if they locate in a city where people actually want to live. But it’s the job of Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) to tout our specific strengths as a workforce.

They like to point out that more than 13 million people live within a 120-mile radius. In the Northern Stateline Economic Development Region of Boone, Winnebago, Ogle and Stephenson counties, there’s a labor force of 228,600. Almost 25 percent work in the manufacturing industry, followed by trade, transportation & utilities (21 percent) and educational/health services (17 percent).

“The Rockford Region is strong because of its diverse demographics and connected location – central in the Midwest and right next to the expanding Chicagoland market,” states RAEDC. “And it is strong because of the cooperative, attractive cities and villages of all sizes across north-central Illinois.”

We continue to be a hub of aerospace activity, with four tier-one companies and more than 250 suppliers within a 90-minute radius. We serve companies like Boeing, Airbus and AAR with our expertise in design, manufacture, maintenance, overhaul and sale of aerospace products, says RAEDC. But that’s not all we make.

We’re now a leader in Advanced Manufacturing, which means using innovative technology to improve products and processes.

Today’s manufacturing is less about dirty, hot shops and more about directing computers and robots to carry out precision tasks. Our strong technical and engineering skills, plus our Midwest work ethic, make us attractive, as does our commitment to modern skills training.

Good things go on behind the scenes in our region! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Need Some Dinner Ideas? No Problem!

By Peggy Werner

I

f you’re in need of a quick lunch, something to pop into the oven for dinner tonight, or planning a special occasion, Countryside Meats & Deli, 781 HIghgrove Place, has an almost endless variety of menu items from which to choose.

And if you can’t make a decision, talk with Owner Jarrod Bush, who has more than 20 years experience in the business, and wants only the best product and service for his customers.

“We are a full-service meat market and have food in small portions for home meals or we can cater for large special events and parties. People are not always sure what they are looking for and that’s where I can help them make good choices,” he says.

Just walk into the store and you’ll be surrounded by choices.

Locally owned and operated, Bush has a well-stocked, clean, organized and attractive 20-foot-long meat case filled

with top quality freshly cut Midwestern beef, pork, and poultry.

The store offers a weekly advertised special every Wednesday and other in-house specials. There are cases full of “oven ready” meals such as lasagna, stuffed green peppers, meatballs, Italian Beef, Pulled BBQ Pork, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Kiev and 25 varieties of bratwurst. There are also cheeses and cheese spreads, sauces, dips, dressings, marinades, seasonings, chicken, egg, tuna and crab salads, as well as Cole slaw, broccoli slaw, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, creamed and pickled herring.

Gourmet items include four varieties of chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, fennel, cheese and Italian seasoning,

traditional bread stuffing. ham and Swiss cheese, or apples and cranberries.

Large Portabella mushrooms are filled with crab meat and Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese and bacon. Crab cakes, twice baked potatoes, garlic cheese bread and 25 varieties of bratwurst are also available. Boar’s Head luncheon meats are also available. Everything in the store is made onsite with meat and other products purchased locally or regionally and all meat grinding is done on site. ❚

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You Deserve Lyle’s Unsurpassed Service Lyle McKinney, Gambino Realtors Here’s What Lyle’s Customers Have to Say: Lyle was great to work with...both while selling our old home and while purchasing our new one. He always had our best interest in mind during all the negotiations and kept us thoroughly informed throughout the entire process. We feel he went above and beyond in his duties. We had a great experience thanks to Lyle!

Mike & Nancy Parker 815-543-2008 • lmckinney@gogambino.

See more of my testimonials at my website: GoGambino.com/lmckinney

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Tips for a Smooth Kitchen or Bath Remodel

By Janine Pumilia od Chapman, owner of C & H Design Center, has coordinated a lot of kitchen and bath remodels during the past 10 years and has some advice to share.

First, be wary of do-it-yourself projects.

“We often have to go in and fix problems people created for themselves by taking on more than they really knew how to do,” says Chapman. “They’re trying to save money, but it ends up costing them more. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience people like us can offer.”

Chapman’s 6,000-foot showroom at 6506 Logan Ave., in Belvidere, Ill., contains all the elements needed for any size job, from design help to cabinets, counters, tile, hardware, fixtures, shower systems, flooring and more. C & H Design Center serves customers within a 65-mile radius, including Rockford, Freeport,

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southern Wisconsin and Chicago suburbs.

“Some people think they’ll save a lot of money buying from big-box home centers but don’t realize those materials are often rejects or factory seconds that may not be great quality,” says Chapman.

“Our pricing is comparable to home centers, but we carry a bigger selection of quality products at all price points. Plus, you don’t have to stand there and figure out all the aspects of the job yourself.”

Chapman is glad he can offer a onestop experience to customers because he knows how many phone calls and headaches can be involved when coordinating a job.

“Someone has to do all the scheduling for the various subcontractors,” he says. “We can handle everything so that you only have one interface, or we’ll work with you if you want to use a par-

ticular subcontractor. When you do a remodel with us, you’ll get a schedule of who is going to be there, on which day, doing what.”

Chapman advises people to make sure they feel comfortable with the contractor they hire and to be sure all subcontractors are licensed and insured. Ask to see photos of completed jobs and check references. Businesses with longevity and a local street address are more likely to be reliable.

Learn more at www.chbuildersinc. com or call (815) 547-8453. ❚

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The Invitation H

umans have a long, bloody history of trying to “perfect” one another. Jesus said, “You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NIV) In Colonial America, many Christian sects that had been persecuted in Europe felt free to persecute their fellow colonists.

Boston Puritans hanged Quaker missionaries; Virginia required all to attend Anglican services or be humiliated in public stocks; Eight of the 13 British colonies mandated tax-supported state churches, etc.

With the First Amendment, our founding fathers rebuked government’s role in this tyranny by following the example set

by God, Who grants us free will to choose our own spiritual fate. Scripture tells us: 1. There’s one God above all beings, the Creator of life, love, light and truth.

2. God loves us and yearns for our freely given love in return but does not compel us to worship Him. In the Old Testament, God provided laws to His people, the Jews, for their own good. But he recognized that man’s sinful nature had put distance between Himself and man. He devised a plan whereby all people, not only Jews, could choose reconciliation to Him made possible by His son Jesus Christ, the “second Adam,” who, unlike Adam, lived in perfect loving obedience to God. 3. God wants us to choose to spend time with Him in prayer, worship and scripture, and to imitate Christ because we love Him. 4. God wants us to love other people unselfishly, to value them as He does and to invite (not force) them into His family.

When asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:3540, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 10:27a) True Christianity is the very opposite of one group imposing its beliefs on another through government or any other means.

It is loving God, loving people and inviting them to join God’s family. ❚ -

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Y K

Yummy Pumpkin Can Spice Up Your Life C

ertain flavors are synonymous with fall, and pumpkin spice tops the list.

It’s easier than ever to whip up decadent pumpkin desserts at home.

Go for a delicious dessert such as a Pumpkin Pie Shake or a Pumpkin Creme Brulee with ingredients offered at ALDI. Explore more ideas for spicing up your fall dessert menu at aldi.us.

Pumpkin Pie Shake 6 sheets Benton’s Graham Crackers, broken into small pieces 15 ounces Baker’s Corner 100 percent Pure Canned Pumpkin 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Pumpkin Pie Spice 2 TB Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar 1 cup Sundae Shoppe Vanilla Ice Cream 1 cup Friendly Farms 2 percent milk 10 ice cubes Friendly Farms Whipped Dairy Topping Preparation: In blender, combine ingredients. Top with whipped topping and serve.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee 2 cups Friendly Farms Heavy Whipping Cream 2 cups Friendly Farms Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer 1/2 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Nutmeg 1 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Pure Vanilla 1/4 tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Cloves 1/2 cup Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar 1 1/2 cups Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar, divided 16 Goldhen large eggs, yolks only 15 ounces Baker’s Corner 100 percent Pure Canned Pumpkin Friendly Farms Whipped Dairy Topping Preparation: Heat oven to 325 F. In medium saucepan, heat cream, coffee creamer, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir frequently to dissolve sugar. Bring to boil then immediately remove from heat. Set aside to rest 10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until frothy. Slowly whisk in cream mixture then whisk in pumpkin puree.

Set 16 medium oven-proof ramekins in 13-by9-inch baking pan. Divide custard evenly between dishes. Add boiling water to baking pan halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake 40-55 minutes, or until center is set but still jiggles.

Remove from water bath; cool about 15 minutes then refrigerate 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, remove ramekins from refrigerator and dust tops with remaining granulated sugar. Caramelize sugar with kitchen torch or place under hot broiler 1-2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute and top with whipped dairy topping to serve.

❚ Source: Family Features

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World War II Days Among Largest in U.S. B y To n i R o c h a nce again, Midway Village Museum will host one of the largest World War II reenactments in America. World War II Days will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, on the 148-acre campus at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Both entertaining and educational, World War II Days offers visitors the chance to learn about one of the most influential eras in world history, while witnessing battle scenes play out. World War II engaged the entire world, and its impact is still being felt today.

The event includes carefully screened authentic equipment including vehicles, tanks and many other artifacts.

“Visitors will truly be amazed as they walk through and view the encampments the reenactors create to depict life as a soldier,” says Lonna Converso, Midway

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Village Museum director of marketing and social media. “More than 1,200 reenactor soldiers and civilians will participate.”

Midway Village Museum has invited several presenters to share their unique perspectives on World War II. Among them, author John Ulferts offers insight through his book, “Always Remember World War II Through Veterans’ Eyes.”

“I was teaching through the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany in 1990,” Ulferts says. “We visited concentration camps that really brought home what war was like for so many. At Auschwitz, we saw rooms filled with human hair, toys taken from children. It drives home what was at stake.”

From this experience, Ulferts started writing letters to WWII veterans to thank them. Before long, 140 veterans had responded, 20 of them Medal of Honor

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recipients. Based on Ulferts’ correspondence, he decided to write their stories.

“One talk will be on daily life during the war and a second will focus on readings from chapters,” Ulferts says. “On Sunday, I will speak on the liberators who freed the concentration camp prisoners.”

Ulferts profiles Rockford resident Art Sander, who was shot down over Germany, captured and imprisoned in Buchenwald.

“He was captured by Hitler’s SS,” Ulferts says. “Art was one of 68 such fliers singled out by Hitler, who called them the terror fliers.”

While war raged in Europe, Africa and the Pacific, the American homefront was deeply involved in programs and training to aid in any and every way they could.

In Rockford, the war efforts came closer to home with a little known but

(TC Davison Photography photo)

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valuable troop of dedicated women known as the Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol (WASP). Volunteer Mary Rose says this group of about 300 women played a key role in keeping the community confident in America’s might.

Rose will be presenting W.A.S.P. at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Midway Village. “I first learned about W.A.S.P. from a scrapbook in the archives at Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum,” she says.

“I had no idea they existed. You’ll find nothing about them online.”

In her talks during the WWII event, Rose will share this original Rockford history.

“They began in 1940 and created the

first ambulance safety program in the nation,” she says. “What set them apart from all the others is the women also became trained

mechanics.”

Through the valuable information in the scrapbook, Rose says she learned that WASP was mentioned about 240 times in Rockford newspapers of the 1940s.

“They also participated in parades and actively trained at Camp Grant,” she adds. “My goal in making these presentations is to honor their spirit and memory.

Sadly, I have been able to find only about 200 names of the 300 who were involved.

I’m hoping to find more through this presentation.”

Additionally, on Friday, Sept. 21, Midway Village Museum opens its doors for a preview of the WWII event for school students, allowing a backstage

look at how the event is developed. Educators may call ahead to arrange for field trips on Friday.

Also on Friday a World War II Days Behind The Lines Tour begins at 5:30 p.m. and offers a glimpse of World War II reenactors camps scattered around the Midway Village Museum grounds. The cost is $10 per member or member guest.

Members may call (815) 397-9112 with any questions or to register.

Visitors to Midway Village Museum during WWII Days will have the opportunity to see close up how war was conducted. Just hearing each country’s language spoken by its reenactors is enough to transport onlookers into a different time and place.

Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for veterans and active military members; $8 for children 3 to 17; WWII veterans are free. Parking is free to members and $2 for non-members.

For more information, visit midwayvillage.com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚

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Y H  G

Organization Makes Life Much Easier

By Janine Pumilia

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hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited.

“When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets.

Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motionactivated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold-out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains.

While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals.

“It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.”

Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room, home office and basement.

“Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says.

Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚ Get SLW Home & Garden articles every week. Visit SmartLivingWeekly.com and start your e-Edition today.

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Y C

Think it Through Before Adopting a Pet

By Peggy Werner

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wning a pet is a bigger responsibility than some people want to think about in advance.

Until all pet owners learn to take their responsibility more seriously, the number of stray and unwanted cats and dogs will only grow, says Stephanie Lauer, executive director of Noah’s Ark. She works with other agencies to help control cat overpopulation and to get eligible people the training, food, medicine and other services needed for their pets.

People are often impulsive and caught off guard by an animal’s cuteness, Lauer says. Before adopting a pet, people should think through why they want one, who is going to care for it, what it will cost long term, the breed characteristics best suited them, what training is needed, and if they are willing to ride out tough times with that pet for years to come.

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Brooke Pond, employed at Noah’s Ark for the past two years, went through some very tough times about three years ago, but that didn’t change her relationship with her four-month-old puppy, Ellie, a pit-bull mix.

Pond had been living with a friend.

When things didn’t work out, she was given a 24-hour notice to leave. She packed up her things and lived out of her car for about three weeks, more often than not staying overnight with a relative or friend, if dogs were allowed.

“Giving up Ellie was not an option for me,” she says. “It wasn’t her fault.

She was a part of my family and we were going to face whatever we had to face – together.”

When Pond found a place to live, she decided to dedicate her life to working at an animal shelter and applied for an open-

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ing at Noah’s Ark. It’s been an eye-opening experience, she says.

“I’ve learned a lot about people and how much they love or don’t love animals,” she says.

“What I do know is that if people want to keep a pet, they can. If you’re in a difficult situation and truly want to keep your pet, give me a call at Noah’s Ark and I will try to help you.” ❚

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‘Fall for Rockford’ Returns on Sept. 21

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all, food and fun go together so well.

Throw in a beloved downtown atmosphere and you have all the ingredients for a terrific community event. That’s what the River District Association thought when it planned the first Fall for Rockford food and music festival last year. It was correct! The inaugural event drew more than 5,500 people.

This year’s Fall for Rockford, on Sept. 21, promises even more local food vendors and an exciting music lineup with artists from all over the country.

“We’re very excited about this year’s lineup,” says Missy Minnaert, executive director of the River District Association.

“The artists we’ve secured span a wide variety of musical genres and we’re confident they’ll bring a contagious energy and enthusiasm to our festival.”

The headliner will be a Nashville recording duo named Muscadine Bloodline.

Other performances include the bluesy/ folksy Scruffy Pearls and Chicago-based

singer/songwriter Kyle Young.

The one-day music festival will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Main Street in downtown’s historic River District. Admission is free.

More than a dozen area restaurants will sell their signature menu Fall for Rockford headliner Muscadine Bloodline is from Nashville. items, offering a taste of Rockford. ReturnFall for Rockford is planned and run ing vendors include Cantina Taco, Bella almost entirely by volunteers. A donation Luna Bakery, Pizza on Earth, District is given to two organizations that provide Bar & Grill, Thdoctas, Rockford Roastthe River District with day-of volunteers. ing Co. and Sugar Jones. New this year If you think your organization might will be Edible Vibes, Downtown Fancy be interested in this opportunity, email Franks, Savor BBQ, Lulu’s Corn and info@riverdistrict.com for more informaAero Ale House. New vendors can apply tion. Learn more at fallforrockford.com. ❚ by visiting riverdistrict.com.

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A New Treatment for Pediatric Incontinence

By Lindsey Gapen, managing editor

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ome 13 million U.S. children suffer from incontinence, a lack of control over urination or defecation. This common problem is just one of many that Dr. Patrick McKenna treats as the director of pediatric urology at Mercyhealth Physician Clinic-Riverside.

McKenna and his team have created a three-pronged program. The Midwest Mercy Center for Reconstruction focuses on urological surgeries. The Antenatal Program manages urological problems detected in children before birth. And the Confidence Center provides non-surgical treatment for incontinence and more.

McKenna speaks nationally about incontinence and has developed a nonsurgical biofeedback program that’s close to 100 percent effective.

“I used to do about 130 to 150 ureteral surgeries in children per year,” he says.

“With our program, I did zero last year.”

His program in part uses video games to aid biofeedback.

“Biofeedback isn’t just the computer games – it’s 20 minutes of going over homework related to the education component, 20 minutes of teaching the children to control their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and 20 minutes of computer games that teach them how to relax their muscles when they void,” McKenna says.

A chance meeting, nearly 25 years ago, with a developer of computer games used to rehabilitate children from sports injuries, led to his program. When a resident doctor came to McKenna in search of a research project, McKenna pulled out the games and suggested developing an incontinence biofeedback program. He didn’t have high expectations, not being a big believer in biofeedback, at that time.

The resident completed his experi-

ment with 60 incontinent children and McKenna could hardly believe the results.

“There was an 80 percent success rate with Dr. Patrick McKenna no medicine,” McKenna says. “You can image the amount of data I had him review again.”

McKenna has refined and used the program for more than two decades now.

“To be honest, we wiped out one of the biggest operations that pediatric urologists do, so it has a big financial impact and therefore many people don’t want to run the program,” McKenna says. “But I’ve always found it’s best to do the right thing … we’ve really solved a lot of problems for children.” ❚

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‘Streets & Sweets’ Benefits Rock House Kids

By Peggy Werner

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ock House Kids, 1325 7th St., is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This Christian ministry for inner city kids gives them a safe and positive experience, with the goal of helping them to have better lives now and in the future.

To raise awareness of the ministry and to support it, the Streets and Sweets annual fundraiser will take place Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road. Students will perform mime, puppet and dance routines; volunteers will share memories and there will be a silent auction.

“We want people to meet our kids, learn about our ministry and choose to support us,” says Executive Director Deanna Lacny. “A lot of people still don’t know we exist. We’re all about building relationships and want our kids to feel safe and cared for.”

Lacny has worked at Rock House

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Kids for 5 years and was named director about 18 months ago. Her top priorities are to build awareness and to get more kids involved. The after-school program provides hot meals, supplies and volunteers who help with homework, teach good values and stress the importance of staying in school.

About 250 children per week, ages 6 to 18, attend from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday year-round. Children can get help other times of the day, too.

In summer there are extra activities, field trips and camps.

Safety is a top priority. The building is locked when children are attending, a security system and cameras monitor the property and the police are present or quickly available, proving to kids that they, too, are helpful and dependable.

Sept. 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Lacny says more vans and drivers are needed to reach even more kids in other parts of the city.

About 25 volunteers work with kids each night, but about twice as many are needed. The only qualification is to be a caring adult with a Christ-centered belief.

Doors will open for Streets and Sweets at 6 p.m., with a buffet-style supper at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $45. Learn more at rockhousekids.org or by calling (815) 962-5067. ❚

Y F Autumn just might be the best time of year. The sun is a little lower (and prettier), the air is a little crisper (and cleaner) and the leaves cascade down in colorful splendor. This fall, spend some quality time in the fun, nearby, value-packed Rockford Region. See stunning fall colors at

Real. Original.

SM

Anderson Japanese Gardens, the finest in North America. Visit beautifully spacious Rock Cut State Park. Don’t miss Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with more than 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines, all

Summer Fun

ILLINOIS, USA

glowing in autumn’s glory. Indoors, our concert and theater season will be gaining momentum at Coronado Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored downtown vaudeville house. Plus, our Riverfront Museum Campus will be coming alive for the whole family. Visit gorockford.com today for a full list of autumn special events, festivals, gardens, golf and more.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau NWQ_fall.indd 1

102 N. Main St.

Attractions & Events

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

'August: Osage County' Thru Sept. 15, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

The Weston family is full of interesting characters. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) Rockford, IL 61101stagecoachers.com.

1.800.521.0849 gorockford.com 758-1940, 9/10/07 2:07:37 PM

'Newsies' Sept. 12-22, see website for times. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the musical story of Jack Kelly, the leader of a band of newsboys. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.

Music on the Mall Through Sept. 13, most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Dazzling Dragonfly Exhibit Through Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thirty large dragonfly silhouettes decorate the 20-acre gardens. To be sold at a live auction Sept. 19.

Rotary Botanical Gardens (RBG), 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 314-850, rotarybotanicalgardens.org Greenwich Village Art Fair Sept. 14 & 15, 10 a.m. Annual two-day outdoor event featuring 150 regional and national artists, live music, vendors, children's art activities, food and more. Established in 1948, the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest.

Barry Manilow’s Greatest Hits Sept. 18-19, 1 p.m. Manilow look-alike Frank Sternett entertains with “Mandy,” “It’s a Miracle,” “Copacabana” and more. Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.

Broadway Revue Sept. 20-22, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Broadway musica and dance, 1940s to present. Mighty Richland Players, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.org.

'Arsenic & Old Lace' Sept. 20-Oct. 6, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A classic comedy. Pec Playhouse, Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

Fall for Rockford Sept. 21, 2-9 p.m., On North Main Street.

Food, games, music and more at this community fall festival sponsored by the River District

"As Far as the Eye Can See" by Lisa Goesling is part of the "Intracacies" exhibit at Freeport Art Museum through Oct. 2.

Association. Muscadine Bloodline and Scruffy Pearls will perform. FallforRockford.com.

Wine on the Terrace Sept. 21, 4-7 p.m. With appetizers and music at Ellwood House Museum & Park, 509 N. 1st St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-4609, ellwoodhouse.org.

Dockside Live Through Sept. 23, Mon. 6-9 p.m. Live music, food & brews. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com.

Streets & Sweets for Rock House Kids Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. To raise awareness and funds for this Christian ministry that provides encouragement, supplies, hot meals and more to Rockford's inner city children.

Buffet supper, silent auction, student performances. Radisson Hotel, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets $45. Learn more at rockhousekids.org or call (815) 962-5067.

Bodacious Music Through Sept. 27, Fri. 6 p.m. Relax on the patio to live music with views of the Rock River. 119 N. Main St., Janesville, bodaciousshops.com.

FAM: Intricacies Through Oct. 2, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. An exhibition by three artists known for extraordinary attention to detail.

Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum. org.

Julie Heffernan & Shelly Mosman - RAM Through Sept. 29, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The “Chance Encounters” exhibit tells visual stories. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. ❚

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Sept. 11

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WDL

Restaurant of the Week

Tavern on Clark: Great Food, Friendly Atmosphere

By Peggy Werner

B

rothers-in-law Sam Sabani and Dan Isai decided to create an eatery and bar with top-quality food and a great atmosphere, where business partners, couples, family and friends could gather for all occasions. The result is Tavern on Clark, 755 Clark Dr..

“We were very intentional in creating what we describe as the classic American tavern, with a fresh, new, clean look, where there’s something for everyone,” says Sabani.

A full-service bar offers signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, about 40 bottled beers and eight domestic and imported drafts. Menu offerings include aged center-cut steaks and chops, fresh salads, flatbreads, appetizers, pasta and ribs. Lunch and dinner specials include a Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib, as well as regular Ahi tuna, mahi mahi and

surf-and-turf deals.

“We spent a lot of time researching what people wanted,” says Isai.

“We offer quality you can’t find elsewhere.”

All steaks and hamburgers are made from USDA-certified Black Angus beef, and all menu items are made-to-order from fresh produce, locally grown when possible. Signature dishes include a 10-ounce certified Black Angus beef burger and craft ale beer-battered sidewinder sea-salted French fries, served with a Wisconsin Cheddar beer sauce. Desserts include carrot cake, chocolate cake, New York cheesecake and more.

The space is open and inviting, with plenty of natural light to showcase the quality décor of dark woods, stone walls, earth-toned granite countertops and por-

celain tile. Large booths seat six comfortably, and a private dining room, with a wall-mounted flat screen TV and a fireplace, seats 50 and can accommodate business meetings and presentations.

Tavern on Clark opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends.

The bar is open later. ❚

In the Spotlight Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen  Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.

Backyard Grill & Bar  Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza  Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $.

Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa  Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant  Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.

Fresco at the Gardens.  Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$ Giordano’s  Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815) 398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm.

Hearthrock Cafe  Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$.

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Lino’s  Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$.

Maciano’s  Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$.

Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery  Baked goods, sandwiches, salads. 2636 McFarland Road, Rockford, (815) 986-3300; 1659 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 394-0765; 4431 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 397-7291. BkLD Hours vary by location. $.

Olympic Tavern  Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$.

Prairie Street Brewhouse  Upscale-Casual/American.

200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Salamone’s North  Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200 Stockholm Inn  Casual/American, Scandinavian emphasis.

2420 Charles St., Rockford, (815) 397-3534. BkLD M-Sat., Sun. brkfst. only. M-Th 7a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend brunch. Large menu, Swedish pancakes specialty. $$ Taco Betty’s  Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚

Sept. 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

C

Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant in 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

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Sept. 4

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Sept. 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

Can You Live Without an Electric Bill?

By Peggy Werner

T

he time is right for people who want to switch to solar power, especially if they don’t want to shoulder the entire cost of transitioning to cleaner energy.

EZ Satellite and Wireless owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano has partnered with Aeos Energy in Franklin Park, Ill., to form another branch of his business called EZ Solar Energy. It aims to provide savings to homeowners through no down payment, fixed-rate financing, discounts and rebates to homeowners.

“Our goal is to get everyone as close as possible to getting their energy 100 percent from the sun, so they don’t have to have an electric bill,” Zambrano says.

EZ Solar will help people every step of the way with permits, applications and obtaining a loan, for those who qualify.

The product is maintenance-free, has a 25-year warranty and takes only one day

to install. Paperwork takes several weeks to process.

Everyone can reduce or eliminate their electric bill with solar power, he says. A lot of factors figure into the equation such as the direction the home faces, the roof style, square footage and how power is used. If a home can only handle so many panels, there will still be a savings. Those who qualify can immediately reduce their electric bill and, at best, eventually have no bill, he says.

Federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC) allow homeowners to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system. The deadlines for the tax incentives have been extended many times and currently expire in 2022. State laws require utilities to produce a specific

percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Right now, for a limited time, the state is offering a rebate for homeowners who have installed solar panels, rewarding them for helping the state meet its goals of producing 25 percent of its electricity through renewable sources by 2025.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Zambrano at EZ Solar at (815) 200-9075. ❚

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Sept. 11

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Sept. 11 To advertise call 815-316-2300

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